With numbers in dispute, budget goes to Sebelius

Topeka  Backed by improved state revenue projections, Republicans pushed an $11.3 billion budget through the Legislature on Friday, sending it to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

The spending plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1 meets Republican leaders' goal of providing additional money to public schools without increasing state taxes. The measure provides an additional $125 million for education, using existing revenues and cash reserves.

The Senate approved the proposed budget on a 26-13 vote Friday, a day after the House passed it, 81-42. Legislative negotiators drafted the final version, settling dozens of differences between the two chambers.

Republicans have faced repeated criticism from Sebelius and her fellow Democrats for trying to increase aid to schools without raising taxes or tapping other sources of new revenue, such as expanded gambling. Democrats have said doing so will create major budget problems in the future, citing projections showing the state would face a budget shortfall next year.

But GOP leaders presented new budget projections this week, suggesting there'd be no shortfall at least until 2008. Their figures were more optimistic in forecasting state revenues into the future.

"Those assumptions were made on the basis of the economy continuing to grow at its current rate," said Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dwayne Umbarger, R-Thayer.